Centre of Digital Economy (CoDE)’s Post

Looking forward into the new year, we’ve been asking the sector-specialists in our investment teams what the future might hold in their industries. Today, Edward Keelan from our B2B software team read the tea leaves to tell us about the trends he’s tracking in 2024. “After a tough 2023, with companies finding new wins hard to come by, valuations down and the name of the game efficiency. Next year it’s likely the best companies will rise to the top and start to generate real traction as customers look to the latest tech for solutions that will drive productivity. This is going to mean there should be some really exciting investment opportunities in a less competitive VC market. 2024 may well be a great vintage; we’re certainly still open for business! 📈While exits will likely remain hard to find, and some companies may not make it, strategic buyers will want to take advantage of a lower valuation environment and falling interest rates – so liquidity will be available to those founders, but they’ll need to work hard to find the right buyers and this is something we’re helping our portfolio with. 👀Venture capital funds will keep attracting LPs, although we might see smaller cheque sizes and a greater interest (and say!) in what those funds invest into. Funds will have to adapt to this change – and keep asking companies to do more with less. Founders should pay closer attention to who is funding them and what the funds strategy is. 🌍As Europe’s ecosystem reaches a new stage of maturity, and companies are forced to find innovative ways to do more with less, we’ll start to see employees from the first generation of great European Unicorns begin to work together to build the next generation of European tech businesses – (finally) replicating some of the network effects seen on the West Coast. 🤖There’s been plenty of noise about AI being an investment opportunity in itself – this is going to start to reduce in favour of a focus on leveraging AI in new use-cases to relieve specific customer pain.” We’ve got more predictions to come – keep an eye out for a deep dive into the deep tech trends set to shape 2024 on our website. #b2b #venturecapital

Title: "Small Business Boom: Riding the Wave of Innovation and Disruption" The small business sector is often overlooked when it comes to industry news, innovations, and developments. Yet, it's this very sector that fuels economies, drives job creation, and introduces disruptive changes. The recent wave of technological advancements has dramatically changed the way small businesses operate. Automation, artificial intelligence, and machine learning have moved from the realm of science fiction to everyday business tools. They have revolutionized business operations, marketing strategies, and customer engagement, propelling small businesses forward in an unprecedented manner. One of the exciting developments is the democratization of advanced technologies. What was once the privilege of large corporations, is now accessible to small businesses. Cloud computing, for example, allows small businesses to leverage vast computing power and storage capabilities without having to invest in expensive IT infrastructure. Similarly, e-commerce platforms and digital marketing tools have leveled the playing field, enabling small businesses to reach out to global audiences. The result? A boost in sales, increased brand awareness, and the ability to compete with larger rivals. However, with innovation comes disruption. Traditional business models are being challenged and new paradigms are emerging. Subscription-based models, for instance, have disrupted numerous industries, from software to retail. Small businesses that adapt and adopt these disruptive models tend to thrive. Yet, even as these developments excite, it's critical for small businesses to stay grounded. Technology should serve as a tool, not as an end in itself. The focus should always remain on delivering value to customers. After all, it's not just about riding the wave of innovation and disruption, but also about steering the ship in the right direction. The small business sector is indeed buzzing with possibilities. It's a thrilling time to be an entrepreneur. So, buckle up and hold on tight. The ride is just getting started. #SmallBusinessInnovation #TechDisruption #EntrepreneurshipTrends

About decisions and data... I went to an accelerator in 2019 that was mostly tech and mostly for young people still in university (I felt out of place on many counts!) but I LOVED it because it felt like I was in school again (I really like school). One of the best quotes for me was from a now Harvard prof: "NOT making a decision, IS making a decision." 🙈 As someone who is a solopreneur, and a procrastinator, this really hit home. Everyday we are faced with tons of decisions, and we rarely have enough information, or data to make proper and informed decisions. It can feel like we are always feeling around in the dark trying do choose what's best. What do you use to make decisions when you don't have enough information? Pro's and con's list? "trust your gut"? Dart board/coin!? ( 🤔) On the needing data front, this is where I have always wished for more equitable access to data for start-ups in CPG. To me it is a no-brainer, a win-win-win for everyone in the supply chain. Why wouldn't a retailer, or distributor want to share at least some data with a small company that could potentially assist them to sell more product, learn better, iterate better and ultimately create more revenue for these firms, WITHOUT charging an arm and a leg for it (as in free, or close to it for sub $1mil rev companies)? 🤷♀️ (some firms do but, most don't) How do you like to make decisions, when you don't have the info to do so with absolute confidence? Or, do you choose to NOT make a decision and wait for it to be settled one way or another on its own? #entrepreneurlife #cpgindustry

Business Insider highlighted my journey as an AI engineer with Harvard MBA leveraging the search fund model to acquire B2B tech businesses companies through my investment firm, Guddi Growth. The article explores the growing trend of search funds targeting tech businesses with recurring revenue streams. At Guddi Growth, we aim to acquire B2B SaaS and tech-enabled services businesses with $5M+ in annual revenue and modernize their models through cloud transitions and AI-driven automation. Search funds have existed for decades, however it has recently started to attract tech professionals like me who want to modernize legacy tech companies. Link to the full article in comments! ========================= If you're curious to follow along with my journey, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn and follow Guddi Growth on LinkedIn. If supporting me enough on this entrepreneurial journey is not a large enough incentive, we also offer cash rewards ($$$$) to anyone whose introduction leads to the acquisition!    If you are or know of a founder thinking through next steps with their small or medium-sized business, please feel free to DM me!

🚀 Exciting News: London's Top 15 Predictive Analytics Companies Transforming the Tech Landscape! 📈 London, England, United Kingdom is buzzing with innovation in the field of predictive analytics, and we're thrilled to showcase the top players that are shaping the future of technology. 🔮 BestStartup US has curated a list that spans the spectrum from cutting-edge startups to established brands, all recognized for their exceptional performance. Let's meet these game-changers: Circuit Mind QuinAI DESAISIV Gardenia Technologies GFAIVE Gleensite Programmai Grad DNA We Love Work Waive These companies are at the forefront of predictive analytics, using data-driven insights to revolutionize industries across the board. From finance to healthcare, their innovations are making waves and driving growth. 🌊 Congratulations to these outstanding firms for their dedication to advancing predictive analytics technology! 💼 To dive deeper into their stories and discover how they're transforming London's tech landscape, check out the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dwfpkRgX #PredictiveAnalytics #LondonTech #Innovation #DataDriven #TechLeaders #BestStartupUS

🔥DMA - DIGITAL MARKETS ACT 🔥- #europeancomission UNLEASHING INNOVATION: HOW THE DIGITAL MARKETS ACT REVOLUTIONIZES TECH & YOUR FUTURE The Digital Markets Act (DMA) has finally landed, and it’s shaking up the digital ecosystem. Here’s why every tech professional, startup, and giant should sit up and take notice: 🔍 Transparency and fairness: the DMA is pushing for unprecedented transparency in how big platforms operate. This means a more level playing field for startups and SMEs. Finally, your app or service can compete on its merits, not just on how well you navigate the walled gardens of tech giants. 💡 Innovation unleashed : with barriers coming down, we’re on the brink of a new era of digital innovation. The DMA encourages fair competition, which means we’ll see a surge in groundbreaking products and services entering the market. Time to dust off those ideas that seemed impossible to launch! 🚀 Growth opportunities : for digital marketers and businesses, the DMA opens up new avenues for growth. With more fair rules of engagement, your digital strategies can truly soar, reaching audiences previously locked behind platform-specific algorithms. What this means for you : • Startups: it’s time to accelerate. the playing field is leveling, and your innovative solutions have a clearer path to success. • Tech professionals : stay ahead by understanding the DMA’s implications on your work or business. Opportunities for growth and innovation are vast. • Digital marketers: rethink your strategies. With new rules, come new tactics to engage your audience. Let’s discuss: how do you see the Digital Markets Act affecting your work or business? Are you excited about the changes it brings? Your action: dive deep into understanding the DMA. It’s not just a regulatory change; it’s an opportunity to reshape the digital landscape in favor of fairness, innovation, and growth. Share your thoughts below. Let’s get the conversation started! 🔄 Feeling informed? Share this post to spread the word within our tech community. 🥹Knowledge is power, especially when it’s shared. #DigitalMarketsAct #techinnovation #digitalmarketing #StartUpGrowth #Techcommunity #laws #Europefitdigitalspace #gatekeepers #Coreolayforms

7 Useful Business Stats Here are a few trends you should be aware of for the coming year: • By 2026, generative AI should hold 30% of the entire $60 billion AI market. • E-commerce, up 22% since the pandemic, is expected to grow 56% by 2027. • The 5G market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 65.8% through 2030. • 78% of those who currently work remotely want to continue with that setup in the future. • 76% of employees say they’d stay longer at a company if they could benefit from learning and development support. • In-feed TikTok ads are 23% more memorable than TV ads and 13% more memorable compared to other types of digital video. • Half of US consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products. 62% of consumers are willing to change their shopping habits to reduce their environmental impact. --- If you want to expand, pivot, refinance, or merge, get #FREEBUSINESSADVICE from #ChairmensRoundTable to guide your business success. #CRT is a group of global business leaders who have run everything from startups to Fortune 500 companies. Every discipline, every industry. If you do #business in #SanDiegoCounty, you NEED to talk with these guys. BECOME A CLIENT TODAY. GROW YOUR BUSINESS TOMORROW. https://bit.ly/CRTClient. #carlsbadchamberofcommerce #oceansidechamberofcommerce #sandiegonortheconomicdevelopmentcouncil #vistachamberofcommerce #northsandiegobusinesschamber #sandiegoregionalEDC #startupsandiego #connect #entrepreneursorganization #ypogold #sdblackchamber #sdhispanicchamber #athenasd #sandiegochamberofcommerce #innovate78 #rotary5340 #tyeglobal #sharktank #forbes #nationalgeographic

The 5 BIGGEST trends to look out for in 2024 in the world of platforms and ecosystems💡 I'm glad to share this excellent thought piece from my co-founder Benoit, who's brilliant at distilling complex market developments into clear strategic insights. https://lnkd.in/eGhx3bq6 This short piece touches upon some key questions at the heart of Launchworks & Co's work including: ✅ What are the key features of hybrid organisations? ✅ How to successfully and sustainably orchestrate your ecosystem? ✅ Which tech trends should you watch out for?... 👉 Read the article to find out more and stay ahead of the curve! 🚀 #platformstrategy #genai #circulareconomy #platformregulation

🔧 Fibr Raises $1.8 Mn from Accel,Others to Offer AI-Powered Martech Solutions to Brands. Fibr, an AI-powered martech solutions provider, has successfully raised $1.8 million in a funding round led by Accel, with participation from other investors. The company aims to revolutionize marketing technology for brands with its innovative solutions. 💰 Funding Details: - Amount Raised: $1.8 million - Lead Investor: Accel - Additional Investors: Other prominent investors participated in the round. 🔍 Background: - Company Overview: Fibr specializes in AI-powered marketing technology solutions designed to enhance brand engagement and efficiency. - Market Position: The company has been gaining traction for its cutting-edge martech solutions that leverage artificial intelligence to drive better marketing outcomes. 🚀 Expansion Plans: - Technology Enhancement: The funds will be used to further develop Fibr’s AI capabilities, ensuring more robust and efficient solutions for clients. - Market Reach: Fibr plans to expand its market presence, targeting more brands and increasing its footprint in the martech industry. 📈 Market Potential: - Growing Demand for Martech: With brands increasingly relying on technology to optimize marketing efforts, there is a significant market opportunity for AI-driven solutions. - Competitive Edge: Fibr's focus on AI gives it a competitive advantage, offering brands more precise and impactful marketing strategies. 📅 Future Outlook: - Growth Trajectory: Backed by Accel and other investors, Fibr is well-positioned to scale its operations and enhance its product offerings. - Innovation Focus: The company remains committed to continuous innovation, aiming to stay at the forefront of the martech industry with its AI-powered solutions. Fibr's successful $1.8 million funding round underscores investor confidence in its vision and potential to transform the martech landscape. The funds will enable the company to accelerate its growth, enhance its technology, and deliver even more value to brands seeking advanced marketing solutions. Fibr #Fibr #Funding #Martech #Accel #AIPowered #TechNews #StartupFunding #BusinessGrowth #MarketingTechnology #NewsUpdates

Big players often had the upper hand 🏋️♂️ thanks to their control over Big Data 📈. This left the underdogs in the dark, unable to make the most of external market insights. But times are changing! 🚀 Viableview is now unlocking the power of vast market #DATA for budding entrepreneurs. No more shooting in the dark; it's time to launch products the market is actually craving for. #digitalgoods #onlinemarketing #onlinebusiness #marketinsights #marketanalytics Gone are the days when small businesses could only dream of accessing big data 🌠. Lost in the market without external data insights, their journey was often a shot in the dark. Enter the game-changer: Viableview 😎. This innovation is a game-changer for new entrepreneurs, giving them the keys 🗝️ to the kingdom of big market #DATA. Say goodbye to guesswork and hello to market-aligned success. #digitalinnovations #internetmarketing #webcommerce #dataintelligence #marketanalysis #entrepreneurjourney #startupgrowth #businessdevelopment